Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two suspected members of a 'one-chance' robbery syndicate, accused of dispossessing unsuspecting commuters of their valuables across the state. A tricycle allegedly used by the suspects to carry out their operations along major routes in Lagos was also recovered.
'One-chance' is a form of robbery where criminals pose as commercial transport operators or passengers to lure unsuspecting commuters into vehicles before robbing them of phones, cash, and other valuables, often under threat or violence.
The suspects were arrested during a routine stop-and-search operation along Iyana Ipaja Road. According to the police, operatives intercepted a tricycle carrying three occupants for a search, during which one of the passengers was allegedly found with three Android phones suspected to have been stolen. While the search was ongoing, the tricycle rider reportedly sped off, abandoning the other occupants at the scene.
One of the suspects, identified as Ademola Ibrahim, was immediately arrested. During interrogation, Ibrahim allegedly confessed to belonging to a 'one-chance' robbery gang operating around Idimu, Iyana-Ipaja, Egbeda, and Dopemu areas of the state. Further investigation led to the arrest of the fleeing tricycle rider, Raheem Lawal, 26. Police also recovered the operational tricycle with registration number SMK 309 QP.
Victims Identify Suspects
The command said two victims who had earlier reported 'one-chance' robbery incidents along the axis positively identified the suspects and the recovered phones allegedly stolen from them. Police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Police Commitment to Safety
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and sustained raids against criminal elements across the state. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Tijani Fatai, assured residents of the command's resolve to combat robbery and other violent crimes. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the police through the command's emergency lines.
